The sun appears serene
and peaceful. The days have become shorter. The sweet
festival of Sankranti has come filling our homes with the
newly harvested grain.
(Telugu poem)

Sankranti is the most
important of all festivals. Practically, every day is a festival
day for humanity. But, people out of their ignorance have
earmarked a few days as festival days and the rest as ordinary
days. Many celebrate this festival without actually knowing its
significance. On this day in this part of the world, people pay
their respects to cows and bulls. Bulls are decorated daintily
with a variety of ornaments and clothes and taken round the
streets. They are called Gangireddhulu (sacred bulls).
Not merely this, a symbolic marriage is performed between the
cows and the bulls. The person who takes round the decorated
bull is called Gangireddudasu. He wears a special dress
on this occasion. The very sight of Gangireddudasu
fascinates children. The elder brother lovingly calls the
younger brother to go along with him to see the sacred bull and
its master.

"Oh my dear brother,
here comes the Gangireddudasu. Come, let us go and see him.
He wears a silver medallion and a waist belt. He carries a
decorated staff and wears special marks on his forehead. He
brings with him the richly caparisoned sacred cow and bull
and performs their marriage. Let us see the marriage
ceremony and offer our gifts." (Telugu poem)

He brings with him a cow and a
bull and calls them Sita and Rama respectively. They are trained
in such a way that they respond to his questions according to
the movement of the stick in his hand. He asks the cow, "Oh
Sita! Do you like Rama?" As per the training given, the cow
shakes its head in disapproval. Then he asks the bull, "Oh Rama!
Do you like Sita?" The bull also answers in the negative. In
this manner, both of them disapprove initially and later on
agree for the marriage. Then the Gangireddudasu performs
the symbolic marriage of Sita and Rama.

The festival of Sankranti bestows immense joy on even
animals and birds. It is a very important festival for farmers.
This is the day he brings home the newly harvested crop and
enjoys the fruits of his hard labour. Thus, right from a farmer
to the king, everyone celebrates this festival joyfully. Names
may vary, but this festival is celebrated by one and all
irrespective of religion and nationality. It marks the beginning
of the sacred time of Uttarayana (sun's movement towards
North). It confers bliss on one and all.

Everyone aspires to attain bliss. In fact, that is the very
purpose of human life. Life has no meaning if one cannot
experience bliss. Bliss is your goal.

Nityanandam, Parama Sukhadam, Kevalam Jnanamurtim,
Dwandwateetam, Gagana Sadrisham, Tattwamasyadi Lakshyam, Ekam,
Nityam, Vimalam, Achalam, Sarvadhee Sakshibhutam, Bhavateetam,
Trigunarahitam (God is the embodiment of eternal bliss, He
is wisdom absolute, the One without a second, beyond the pair of
opposites, expansive and pervasive like the sky, the goal
indicated by the mahavakya Tattwamasi, the eternal, pure,
unchanging, the witness of all functions of the intellect,
beyond all mental conditions and the three Gunas of Sattwa,
Rajas and Thamas).

In accordance with the tradition, the newly married sons-in-law
visit their in-laws' house to celebrate this festival.

As Sankranti is the
festival of festivals,
Oh newly married bridegroom, visit your in-laws' house,
Come, spend your time in fun and frolic with your
brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law,
The entire household and the neighbourhood will welcome you
with love and affection.
(Telugu song)

Even those who have not visited
their in-laws' house for a number of years will be eager to go
for Sankranti festival. The in-laws extend all
hospitality to the son-in-law and make efforts to please him.
They even go to the extent of borrowing money in order to give
him new clothes and serve him delicious food. The entire
household spends their time blissfully. But, today that spirit
of Sankranti celebrations is not noticed anywhere. The
son-in-law instead of giving joy to his in-laws, quarrels over
petty matters with them.

Sankranti confers joy on human beings, birds and animals
alike. Not only Bharatiyas, even the people of other countries
celebrate this festival, but with different names. This is the
season when cool winds blow and the farmer brings home the
harvested crop. He spends his time in a relaxed manner free from
all worries and anxieties. There is a saying in Telugu: "One who
is free from 'Chintha' (worry) will be able to sleep
peacefully even in a 'Santha' (market place).

Everyone should make efforts to overcome worries and enjoy
everlasting happiness. This is the message of Sankranti.
People may interpret it in their own way, but few understand its
true significance. Amongst the variety of festivals, the
womenfolk accord a special place to this festival. The happiness
that one enjoys during this season is unique.

Man makes varied efforts to experience happiness. You can find
few in this world who do not want to be happy. But one must
understand that happiness cannot be acquired from outside. It
originates from the heart. Heart is the source of bliss. The
happiness we enjoy in the external world is only a reaction,
reflection and resound of the happiness within. Very few are to
understand this truth. The apparent joy that one experiences
today is artificial and temporary. Only the happiness that
springs from the heart is permanent.

Students!
Behave so as not to cause hindrance to anyone. Festivals are
meant to experience happiness and share it with others.
Happiness cannot be purchased in a market nor can it be acquired
by worldly means. It should manifest from within. It is not the
nature of Bharatiyas to hurt the feelings of others for
their own pleasure. One should respect others' feelings and act
appropriately. One should share his happiness with his
fellowmen. You should welcome the arrival of the bounteous month
of Pushya and celebrate Sankranti in the true spirit by
manifesting your inner joy and sharing it with others. The word
'Kranti' means change. It signifies a change from misery
to happiness, from restlessness to peace and from pain to
pleasure. Sankranti bestows joy on everyone equally. That
is why everyone eagerly awaits the arrival of Sankranti
with enthusiasm. Even birds and animals are happy with the
arrival of Sankranti. When the farmer brings home the
harvested grain, birds partake of them and express their joy by
chirping merrily. The neighbours congratulate the farmer for the
rich harvest he reaped as a result of his hard labour.

Students!
It is most essential that you understand the significance of
every festival and celebrate them in the true spirit. As we do
not go deep into their significance, we are unable to enjoy true
happiness. One should be prepared to sacrifice his body to have
the experience of eternal bliss. Body is a combination of five
elements and the mind is merely a bundle of thoughts. One should
neither be attached to the body nor follow the vagaries of the
mind. Drive away the evil qualities of Kama, Krodha, Lobha,
Moha, Mada and Matsarya (desire, anger, greed, infatuation,
pride and jealousy) and manifest your inner peace and bliss.
Instead of developing peace and bliss, man is destroying them.
He is giving scope to unrest even in trivial matters. Neither
Asanthi (unrest) nor Prasanthi (supreme peace) are
acquired from outside. People say, "I want peace." Where is
peace? Is it present outside? If peace were to be found outside,
people would have bought it by spending any amount of money. But
outside, we find only pieces! The real peace is within.

Whether you boil it hard or dilute it with water, milk remains
white. White symbolises purity. In the constant manner of milk,
your heart should always remain pure, bright and peaceful in
spite of trials and tribulations. We should subdue sorrow, keep
the evil qualities of anger, hatred and jealousy under check and
manifest our innate bliss. When your desires are not fulfilled,
you become angry. Hence, desires are the root cause of anger and
they should be controlled in the first instance.

Embodiments of Love!
Everlasting bliss is the goal of everyone. You should derive
happiness even from what seem to be troubles. One need not
search for happiness elsewhere. It is always with you and in
you. You are unable to experience it as you have not understood
the true meaning of happiness. You are under the illusion that
happiness lies in money, wealth and material comforts. Once you
have the taste of true happiness, you will not crave for worldly
possessions. True happiness springs forth from the depths of
one's heart. When milk is boiled in a vessel, its level starts
rising gradually. The milk level subsides when you sprinkle a
few drops of water over it. It is because of its association
with water that milk loses its value. Likewise, man loses his
value when he associates himself with bad company. One will
always be blissful if one is in good company. Before making
friendship with an individual, one should enquire into his
character.

You may or may not be aware; I am always in a state of bliss. I
have no worries or difficulties whatsoever. Some people ask,
"Swami, do you have any worries?" I do not know what worry is. I
have never experienced it. I am always blissful. You should
always think of bliss. Then you will see bliss everywhere. The
experience of bliss is sweeter than sugar, tastier than curd,
sweeter indeed than honey. People feel sad when they are faced
with difficulties and at the bereavement of their near and dear
ones. But at no point of time do I feel sorry about such
happenings. They come and go like passing clouds. Happiness and
sorrow follow one another. When you contemplate on bliss, there
will be no scope for sorrow.

Embodiments of Love!
There is love in each one of you, but you are directing it on
worldly relationships. You have not tasted true love. Love God
wholeheartedly. That is true love. People may come and people
may go, but God neither comes nor goes. He is always present.
When you are engulfed in sorrow, think of happiness. You will
certainly experience happiness.

Bliss is very much immanent in the human being. Wherever we are,
whatever be the position we occupy, our essential nature is
bliss. People ask Me sometimes "Swami! did You ever experience
sorrow?" I am amused at this question. In fact, why should I
experience sorrow? Should I feel sorry about the body? Not
necessary. This body is always healthy and active. The nature of
the human mind is fickle. The body is like a water bubble; mind
is like a mad monkey. Don't follow the mind; don't rely on the
body since it is like a water bubble. After all, why should one
feel sorry about the body and mind which are transient? In fact,
bliss is our essential nature which is permanent.

Embodiments of Love!
Cutivate love that will help you to experience bliss. "Start the
day with Love; fill the day with Love; end the day with Love –
that is the way to God." If you can achieve this, you will not
be disturbed by sorrows and difficulties. The heart is the seat
of bliss. True bliss flows from a pure and loving heart. Try to
experience such bliss. All other forms of happiness are
momentary.

Embodiments of Love!
Children are always happy and cheerful. They do not have any
inhibitions. When somebody smiles at them, they will also smile
innocently. They experience bliss that is the inherent nature of
all human beings. There is a difference between happiness and
bliss. In common parlance, "happiness" is momentary. It comes
and goes. Bliss is something that wells up from within. It
emerges from the heart, as a result of one's union with God. If
one feels separate from God, one cannot experience bliss.

Embodiments of Love!
You have to experience such bliss in abundance in the days to
come. Let me remind you once again that neither age nor position
nor for that matter anything in this physical environment can
bring about such bliss. It is only a pure and loving heart that
is the source of bliss. The holy festival of Sankranti
signifies change or transformation of the heart. It is
experiencing bliss arising out of the realisation of the
changeless, Eternal Principle. Divinity is the only principle
that is changeless. God is ever blissful. In fact, He is the
Embodiment of bliss. For example, this is a white cloth. It is
only when this cloth is dipped in or painted with colour, it
acquires some colour. Similarly, your essential nature is bliss.
If you are experiencing sorrow, it is because you have immersed
yourself in sorrow. Wherever you are, you must always be happy
and blissful. For example, people wish me "Swami! Happy
Birthday!" I would like to ask one question in this context. Is
there real happiness in celebrating a birthday? I am always
happy. Then, where is the question of celebrating a particular
day in a year as "Happy Birthday". This is only an expression in
borrowed words. In fact, bliss is our true nature. We camouflage
our true nature with artificial expressions and feel satisfied
as though it is real bliss. This is not the correct approach.

Embodiments of Love!
You are full of Love. In fact, your hearts are overflowing with
Love. But, you are preventing your love from flowing and
expressing it outwardly. Otherwise, love has no barriers and
hurdles at all! Constantly contemplate on God. Then you will
always be happy – physically, mentally and spiritually.
Unfortunately, nowadays you are losing such a divine quality of
bliss due to various desires. If you can keep these desires away
from you, you will always be blissful. For example, this is a
white cloth. Whiteness is its nature. But it acquires dirt
because of constant usage. Similarly, your heart is always pure,
bright and blissful. But it gets polluted because of desires.
Therefore, cultivate Love and keep your heart always pure. Then
you will be blissful every moment of your life. But, you have
forgotten your innate nature of bliss and are always immersed in
sorrow and unhappiness. When someone enquires, "How are you?"
you reply "so, so". This is not the correct way. We must reply,
"I am happy". It is possible that we may encounter some ups and
downs in life. But, they should not affect our essential nature,
which is bliss. Did you observe Me carefully? How blissful I am!
Not only now, I am always blissful and overflowing with bliss.
In fact, you can also experience such bliss in My presence.
However, if you approach Me with an evil mind, evil thoughts and
desires, you cannot experience this bliss. These are human
weaknesses. You must, therefore, try to correct them.

Dear Students!
You should never feel dejected. Supposing you fail in an
examination sometime, you should not feel dejected. Reconcile
yourself that perhaps you did not write the examination well and
therefore you have failed. But never get depressed and dejected
that you have failed in the examination. Similarly, you enquire
into yourself the reason for your sorrow. You will yourself
realise that your own thoughts are responsible for the present
situation. Hence, correct them. You will be happy once again.
Sorrows and difficulties are like passing clouds. You should
never attach importance to them. You must always be happy and
cheerful. Peace and happiness are your qualities. In fact, your
true nature is bliss.

Embodiments of Love!
Today is the holy festival of Sankranti. In fact, this
year is particularly important than the previous year. Last
month several people suffered untold misery and suffering on
account of a Tsunami. It is only man's evil deeds that are
responsible for such a calamity. I, therefore, advise you not to
indulge in wrong actions and evil deeds. It is possible that
more troubles may occur during this year, compared to last year.
However, we must move forward unmindful of those troubles. These
are all passing clouds and you need not be perturbed by these
occurrences. Be bold and courageous to face them. The calamity
of Tsunami that occurred last month was in fact, man-made. It
was not Divine Will at all! But, man feels that all such
calamities are thrust upon man by God. Never! God always
provides happiness to man. He has no anger or hatred. His nature
is love. The question arises why these sorrows and difficulties
in the world? Strictly speaking, happiness will not have any
value without sorrow. Man cannot experience happiness without
undergoing some difficulty or the other. Both happiness and
sorrow are intertwined. One cannot exist without the other.

Pleasure and pain, good
and bad co-exist, none can separate them. You cannot find
pleasure or pain, good or bad to the exclusion of the other.
Pleasure results when difficulties fructify.
(Telugu poem)

God does not cause pain to any
living being in His creation. All sorrows and difficulties are
man-made only. God is the protector of all living beings. He
provides peace and happiness to one and all. Lokah Samastah
Sukhino Bhavantu (May all the people of the world be happy).
This is the Will of God. How then can God cause sorrow to a
human being? Unable to understand His Divine Will, you accuse
God of causing sorrow. If you can fathom the Divine Will, you
will realise that everything is for your good only. We are all
Embodiments of Bliss. Day-in and day-out you experience that
bliss and share it with others. Then only it will increase.

Embodiments of Love!
This Sankranti is Prema Sankranti and Ananda
Sankranti. Hence, welcome this Sankranti festival.
Welcome God who is the embodiment of Bliss. God is not satisfied
with the appellations like "Karunanidhi" (the treasure
house of Compassion) and "Premaswarupa" (Embodiment of
Love). God is always blissful. You should not pray to God to
fulfil your umpteen number of desires. Just pray "Oh! God! Share
Your bliss with me. Make me blissful!" Never deride God as "Nirdaya"
(one without compassion). Whatever God does is for our own good.
Even the sorrows and difficulties we experience are for our own
good. They are preludes to happiness and bliss. If you cultivate
such positive outlook, you will always be blissful. Share your
happiness with all. Contrary to this, man today is keeping
happiness to himself and distributing sorrow to others. This is
not what we should do. "Suppress your sorrow and manifest inner
joy" – this is the spiritual sadhana one has to undertake. When
you encounter any difficulty or sorrow or restlessness – do not
mind them at all. Ignore them. You are always Embodiments of
Bliss. If you constantly contemplate on this reality, nothing
will bother you.

Embodiments of Love!
May this festival of Sankranti, which is a symbol of
change, bring about a transformation in your heart and provide
bliss to one and all, so that you may always lead a happy,
prosperous and cheerful life. In fact, the very name of a human
being is Anandamaya (full of bliss). Manavatva
(humanness) is meant for rising to the level of Daivatva
(Divinity).

Students!
All your dramas and playlets that you have enacted here are
good. If you analyse properly, where does the bad lie? It lies
in your mind. Do not think bad and share your bad thoughts with
others. Bliss is the real food for a human being. One should
always be hungry to partake of that food of bliss. Let your
faith in God be firm and unshakable. It is only God's Love that
is eternal. If you can secure that Love, all other forms of
happiness will automatically come to you.